In the Renaissance, European artists discovered a new beauty and poetry in the landscape. As scientific exploration and mapmaking advanced, so did artists' passion to portray land, water, and sky.

See highlights from the J. Paul Getty Museum's manuscripts collection in this new exhibition, which also includes an early Renaissance panel painting from Hungary, newly conserved by the Museum's paintings conservation department.

Repressed sexuality. Illicit passion. Religious zealotry. Is it any wonder that the ancient myth of Hippolytos and Phaidra has captivated playwrights, artists, actors, and film directors from Euripides to Jules Dassin? Explore how this myth has been adapted and interpreted in different periods in art, stage, and film in this new exhibition at the Getty Villa, opening August 24.

Masters of folk and jazz kick off this season of Friday Nights at the Getty. Reservations for all three performances are available beginning Thursday, August 24, at 9:00 a.m.

Intelligent, soulful, melodic: Vashti Bunyan
Photo: Jason Evans

Vashti Bunyan
September 8, 7:30 p.m.
Experience the return of a cult legend in this first-ever L.A. appearance by charismatic folk pioneer Vashti Bunyan. "I wanted to be the one with road dust on my boots," she sings wistfully on Lookaftering, the intimate and lyrical CD that has returned her to prominence after 35 years of self-exile.

Angels of the East
September 29, 7:30 p.m.Passionate and full of surprises, L.A. singers Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark are complementary opposites with angelic voices that are hot and cold, dark and light, life-affirming and self-doubting. They join forces for an evening of harmonious folk, pop, and country with an indie-rock core.

How do you conserve a work of art that is sacred to an entire community? Find out from stone conservator Simon Warrack, who will discuss his work on the statue of the deity Ta Reach at Cambodia's spectacular Angkor Wat temple, the largest religious building in the world.

In the mood for a weekend artistic nibble? Sign up for Family Art Stops, a half-hour, hands-on gallery experience focusing on a single work of art and geared for families with children ages five and up.

The 2:30 p.m. session is also offered in Spanish. Sign up at the Museum Information Desk 30 minutes before the start of the program—this program fills up fast.

Admission to the Getty Villa is always FREE. A ticket is required. Each Villa ticket allows you to bring up to three children ages 15 and under with you in one car. Please note that this does not apply to tickets for events, such as lectures and performances. Check current ticket availability online or call (310) 440-7300. Ticket availability is updated weekly for a two-month period. Same-day tickets may also become available online without advance notice. Groups of 15 or more must make reservations by phone. Parking is $15, but FREE for evening events after 5:00 p.m.